Protecting Elders from Winter Weather

Chilling temperatures and treacherous snow and ice can pose serious problems for seniors and their caregivers during the winter months. Consider using the following pointers to adapt your loved one’s care plan, minimize health risks and ensure you’re prepared for anything Old Man Winter may bring your way:

HypothermiaEach year, half of Americans who die from hypothermia are at least 65 years old. Older individuals are particularly susceptible to cold weather because they have less body fat, less efficient circulation and a slower metabolism. A senior can even become hypothermic while indoors, so the thermostat should never be set below 65 degrees for a person who is 75 or older. Make sure that your loved one is warmly dressed when inside the house as well as outside.
If an aging loved one is struggling to pay their heating bills or needs financial assistance to weatherize their home this winter, consider helping them apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program that helps low-income families stay warm during winter and cool during summer. To find out more information about your state’s eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website.

DehydrationSeniors are especially prone to dehydration because they tend to eat and drink less than younger people, thus they consume less water. In general, people also feel less thirsty during the winter and are more prone to not drinking as much as they should. Make sure your elderly loved one is drinking consistently. Monitoring their water intake can be an easy way to guarantee they are getting enough fluids.Read: Hydration Tips for Seniors

Ice and SnowSidewalks slick with ice and snow pose a serious falling hazard for an elderly person. Make sure that your loved one’s porch, driveway, sidewalk, etc. have been thoroughly salted and shoveled. If they are at all unsteady on their feet, it’s best to have someone else handle these tasks, like a neighbor or an outside service. To maximize a senior’s stability, be sure that they have well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles and new treads on any mobility aids that they use.

Disaster KitsWinter storms can be fierce enough to knock down power lines and confine seniors to their homes. It is essential to make sure your loved one is equipped with a disaster kit to help them get through these times. Each kit should include enough nonperishable food and water for several days (at least 3 gallons of water per person per day), a can opener, a few days’ worth of any necessary medication, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and first-aid essentials.

Space HeatersWhile these devices can provide much-needed warmth during the colder months, precautions must be taken so these sources of heat don’t become health hazards. If the senior uses a gas-powered heater or generator, make sure there is a functional carbon monoxide detector in their home. If they use electric heaters, inspect all power cords for fraying and get rid of any damaged devices. Keep all heaters away from flammable materials, such as cloth and paper, and make sure to regularly test and place new batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

ClothingMittens, scarves, sweaters, hats and coats are a few must-have articles of clothing for seniors living in colder climates. Even when an elderly person is indoors, they should be dressed in warm, comfortable layers, so they can take items off if they are too hot or put more on if they are too cold.

Electric BlanketsElectric blankets can keep seniors toasty, but they must be used very carefully to avoid burns, electric shocks and even fires. If a senior owns an electric blanket or mattress pad that is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace it. The coils inside the blanket as well as the power cords and controls can get damaged over time, increasing the risk of accident or injury. Look for a model that has an automatic shutoff feature and be sure to use and store electric blankets responsibly.

Happy Fall Y’all! The weather is beginning to grow cooler, the daylight shorter, and the air crisper. As we adjust to the changes of Fall, it’s an also an ideal time to check and make any changes to the safety and wellness for older adults in our lives.

Take a look at the checklist we have provided to help prepare yourself – and them – for the season:

Schedule pre-Winter heating maintenance. Before cranking up the heat, schedule regular maintenance for your heating systems to confirm they’re in top condition. If your loved one has a fireplace, or chimney, make sure to inspect and clean those too, in order to prevent any danger.

Control the internal temperature. Adjust automatic thermostats to account for the season’s fluctuations in temperature.

Get ready for Fall fashion. Don’t put your lighter clothing away just yet! Fall is all about the layering game. Be mindful of footwear too. Non-skid boots and shoes with plenty of traction can helps prevent slips/falls in wet or frosty weather.

Prepare for ice and snow. Be sure to make shovels, car brushes, and salt accessible in the event of an early storm.

Ward off seasonal illnesses. Sicknesses escalate as the year comes to an end. Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness—wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. Older adults can also help boost immunity through good hydration, which can benefit the immune system.

Beware of falling leaves. While colorful leaves are part of the beauty of Fall, they can also cause a safety hazard. When wet, they can become slippery and pose a fall risk. Piles of leaves can hide dangerous obstacles. Be sure to remove leaves regularly from key walkways, including porches and sidewalks.

Adams County Manor, ACM Home Health, and Morris Nursing Home wear purple today to always remember an Adams County legend: Samantha Jameson. Our hearts are heavy, but we know that you’re not suffering any longer.

Check On Your Loved Ones

H&G Nursing Homes, Inc. & H&G Home Health Agency, LLC. reminds all in the southern Ohio area to treat hot temperatures and high humidity levels as severe weather. As we age our bodies may become less able to adapt to extreme conditions. In addition, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions that can upset normal body responses to heat, like sweating. With more health issues can also come more prescription medicines, which can also impair our bodies’ ability to regulate temperature.

As a result, older adults are at an increased risk for complications from extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of these conditions vary, but may include weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, unusual skin temperature or color, and disorientation. The most common types of heat-related illnesses include:

Heat Cramps: Muscle cramps, most often in the legs, caused by not drinking enough to replace fluids and nutrients lost to sweating.

Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition caused when the body is unable to regulate its own internal temperature in a hot and humid environment.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be suffering from a heat-related illness, take action immediately. Get the individual to a cool environment and call 9-1-1 for medical assistance.

To help avoid a potentially life-threatening heat-related illness, take steps to reduce your risk:

Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, and remain in a cool environment during the hottest part of the day.

Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages; aim for at least eight cups of cool water per day, or 2-4 cups for every hour of activity in heat.

If you must be outdoors or in another warm environment, wear lightweight clothing, rest frequently and avoid strenuous activity.

If your home is not air-conditioned, use fans to circulate air and close curtains or blinds on the sides of your home where direct sunlight is coming in.

If you can’t maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, seek a cool environment, such as a neighbor’s or loved one’s home, or a community cooling center.

Hot temperatures and high humidity are severe weather. Treat hot days just as you would a stormy or snowy day. Have a plan to stay cool, recognize the signs of heat-related illness and check on older loved ones and neighbors.

Congratulations are in order for our very own, Mr. Lutz! As he graduated from ACM Therapy, he just had to have a picture with his favorite therapists- Destini & Lexie!

When we asked him what the first thing he would be doing when he got back home, he responded with taking a walk around his property.

Wishing you the very best, Mr. Lutz!

Louis Fulton

Graduated ACM Therapy: February 2018

He said, “the girls helped me get back to walking!” He’s pictured with his therapists, Dawndala and Lexie.

Louis’ favorite thing to do is to play cards and he can’t wait to get back to Jacktown to do so. If you didn’t know, he used to be the Adams County Sheriff, so of course his life advice was: “Stay above the law, never get in trouble.”

Congratulations, Louis! Enjoy your card playing.

Robert Applegate

Graduated ACM Therapy: February 2018

He couldn’t wait to get home to love on his poodle and yorkie. He’s pictured with one of our Physical Therapist Assistants, Sarah and our Occupational Therapist, Amy.

Congratulations, Mr. Applegate! We wish you the best and hope you get to give your dogs all of the lovings!

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Before Heading Home for the Holidays, Know the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:https://www.hg-nh.com/adams-county-manor/before-heading-home-for-the-holidays-know-the-warning-signs-of-alzheimers/
Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:46:02 +0000http://www.hg-nh.com/?p=1582

The holidays are mostly known for being filled with love and joy, especially as many of us are reconnecting with family members that we haven’t seen in a while. It’s also a time when children are most likely to notice differences in their parent’s, or grandparent’s, behavior.

We know that it’s normal to experience memory loss with aging, but Alzheimer’s is much different than memory loss. Did you know that every 66 seconds a person in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Since this is a very significant number, it’s important to know the difference.

If you’re concerned a loved one is developing Alzheimer’s, take a look at these warning signs:

Forgetting something new that they have just learned, or important dates/events.

Ex: Wife’s birthday.

Difficulty with problem solving.

Ex: Forgetting how to do the laundry.

Misplacing objects in unusual places.

Ex: Putting hat/gloves in the refrigerator.

Trouble with words, or speaking.

Ex: Stopping mid-sentence and having no idea how to continue.

Poor judgement.

Ex: Not bathing regularly.

Mood swings and personality changes.

Ex: Being upset about driving in the car to somewhere unfamiliar.

Confusion on dates/times.

Ex: Not knowing they’re at Thanksgiving dinner.

Withdrawal from work/social activities.

Ex: Trouble keeping up with favorite sports team.

If these signs seem familiar, encourage, or accompany, your loved one to see a doctor right away. Early detection will allow more time to make legal, financial, and care decisions. ACM Home Health is certified in the Becoming an Alzheimer’s Whisperer program; we have been extensively trained to teach caregiver strategies in the home to manage behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s.

For more information, please contact us at (937) 544-2755, or visit our website at www.acmhh.com.